The moment I laid eyes on this dress I knew I had to have it! This stunner provides the ultimate POP of pink! After seeing it come up online on Banana Republic, I noticed it becoming increasingly popular among bloggers on Instagram. I waited a bit to purchase it, and I’m glad I did because I ended scoring it for more than half off the original price!

I’m such a huge fan of bold prints and bright colours so this dress fits in perfectly to my existing wardrobe. I kept the rest of the outfit simple by adding a camel coloured trend, nude pumps, a silver mini bag and silver watch and brooch.

Trying to step into Spring with some transitional pieces but Mother Nature has different plans for me.

This striped knit dress from H&M took me right through the Fall and Winter seasons by simple adding a leather jacket over top. The stretch of the fabric makes this dress so comfortable and hugs in all the right places. I love the slits on the hem of the dress, they are also on the hem of the sleeves, I’m a huge fan in little details like those.

I styled it this time around with a sleek black leather jacket, small black and gold embellished belt, black booties with gold-detailed heel and my new favourite saddle bag from Coach. The burgundy tone of the bag was the perfect compliment to the stripe pattern on the dress.

Hopefully soon I’ll be packing away the leather jacket/boots and bringing out the sandals, flow-y summer fabrics and prints, but for now I’ll continue rocking looks like this one!

Summer is now well underway and I couldn’t be happier to style some of the season’s hottest trends. The temperatures are hot hot hot so I’ve rounded up some of my favourite looks that will keep you looking cool this summer. I’ll share with you some of my personal faves from Reitmans Summer ’16 Collection and definite must-haves to add to your wardrobe. For clothes that are always on trend, comfortable, and won’t break the bank head on over to your local retail location or Reitmans.com

Today is the last day to enter to win a 7 night all-inclusive trip for 2 to Varadero, Cuba with accommodations at the beautiful Melia Peninsula Resort. I snapped my best summer ready looks with the hashtag #reitmansreally to be entered in the contest. Wish me luck, I could really use a getaway right about now! 🙂

Read about my featured looks below:

Nothing says summer quite like relaxing by the pool. Now add in sporting an adorable striped dress and straw hat into the mix with your favourite sunnies and you are owninh summer style 101. I first saw this look on a display board in a Reitmans retail store and when I saw how Meghan Markle styled it I thought I would bring it home and try it out for myself, I love how comfortable and versatile this dress is! Just throw on and go!

What to wear to work can be a daunting task for some. Work-wear in the summer can be even worse. You have to be able to find the perfect balance of breezy materials that are still work appropriate. For me, I love to rock lots of white in the summer…while I still have the chance (I’m one of those that follows the no white after Labour Day rule…for the most part anyways.) I love adding fun pops of colours or patterns so these sateen cropped floral pants hit all the right marks. I am also always freezing no matter the season. Adding a classic white blazer on top of your summery tank is perfect for that over air-conditioned office.

To complete my trendy office look I added a white blazer and white lace-up espadrille heeled sandals with some fun coloured lens sunglasses. Throw on a pair of classic white sneakers to take your style game to the next level once you’re off the clock.

Nothing says summer style quite like a cold-shoulder. I was so happy when this trend came back and I am truly a huge fan! When I saw the fun tropical print of this one from Reitmans I knew it was going to be a must-have addition to my summer wardrobe. I paired mine with white denim jean shorts to really make the patterned top pop. You could style it with blue jeans or even black, that’s another thing I love about it.

I’ve always been a huge fan of rompers/jumpsuits, mostly for the fact that it’s just one article of clothing and you are done. There is no having to worry about matching, it’s uniformity is what makes it one of my summer go-to style picks.

I kept this look simple and added some lace-up fringe heeled sandals and green lens Rayban aviators. I went with a braided low bun as the hot hot sun has been doing crazy things to my hair when it’s down. This is a perfect outfit for going out with friends. If temps drop over night, pair it with a white denim jacket and you’re set for the night!

I saved the best for last. I am in love, no, OBSESSED, with every part of this dreamy “sunset” maxi dress. This dress is part of collaboration Meghan Markle has done with Reitmans. When I first saw a picture from Reitmans Dress Capsule Collection I instantly fell in love with the palm-leaf print, flowy material and ohhhh, that open low back. This dress is the epitome of summer style whether you rock it at a summer wedding or on a vacation (here’s to keeping my fingers crossed for a sunkissed trip to Cuba.)

This is exactly how I feel when wearing this dress, like I could just float away into dream land!

I really couldn’t help but jump for joy in this dress. It just had me in the best summer mood!

This is one dress that is sure to have the compliments rolling in and have you standing out for all the right reasons.

I swept my hair up in a low bun and added plain black Rayban aviator sunglasses to keep the main spotlight on a dress that makes a statement all on its own.

A few weeks ago I was beyond lucky to win a contest which entailed a $500 shopping spree with fashion expert and stylist Erica Wark at Bramalea City Centre!

I love to shop and I love following along with Erica on Instagam, Twitter and her T.V segments so I knew I was in for a great day.

Of course I had to accessorize for spring shopping with this gorgeous spring necklace from Obsessions Fashion.

Erica and I started off in BCBG, which is somewhere I’ve always walked by and admired but never bought anything from. Erica asked if there was anything I was looking for in particular, but I couldn’t think on the spot. She started picking out some black blazers and then it reminded me that I was due for a new one. I usually don’t spend tons on blazers and have had the same one for a few years now so it was time to get rid of the old and in with the new! There were three different styles that Erica had me try on. One of my favourites was a Mackage inspired blazer with leather sleeves. However, I decided to be reasonable knowing the price of these blazers and opt for a classic black blazer that is more practical for my everyday life which I would wear to work. I also tried on some absolutely stunning shift dresses in this spring/summer’s hottest patterns and colours! After debating back and forth about one dress and the blazer we decided to put these items on hold and check out some other stores. Since BCBG was the first store we hit I didn’t want to spend all my money in one place, literally.

So off we went to H & M next. H & M is my go-to for not only trendy, in-style items but also affordable basics. There was a beautiful display at the front of the store with items from their summer collection. The vibrant hues and boho vibes were to die for! There were a few things that stood out to me right away but since I knew I would probably never get this opportunity again I let Erica take the lead to pick out items for me. And boy, was I ever happy that I did. On one of the mannequins was a red-y-orange dress with tassels on the sleeves. Never in a million years would I ever think to try this one on, let alone buy it! This was an item that I trusted Erica’s expertise on and decided to try it on. I don’t wear my close exceptionally tight but this dress is extremely flowy. I asked Erica’s advice about it and let me know that I was able to pull it off because of my height and figure. I’m so glad I trusted her advice with this one as I really went out of my comfort zone with it! I cannot wait to rock this dress for my Portugal trip at the end of the summer, I can tell you that this dress has Portugal written all over it (pictures to come of course!) Some other great advice I got while trying on some clothes was that again, because of my height and long-torso I can rock cropped jackets. I’ve always steered away from them all this time when really they are the perfect compliment to my body. I picked up two really great blazers for work, majorly on sale too!

Chronicles from the change room, SO much fun! The black lace off-the-shoulder top was one of my favourite pics from H&M.

Twinning in the changeroom!

Next we were off to Express. Erica went straight for the jeans. Oh the jeans!! Erica warned me that once I owned a pair of these they would change my world and I would fall in love. Once I tried them on I knew exactly why she had said that. They were so comfortable and looked like expensive designer jeans without the price tag! They go for around $78, but that day there was buy 1 get one 50% off, so of course I jumped at that opportunity. Erica picked out a few different styles and colours for me, but ultimately left it up to me for the colours as she said I know my wardrobe best. I went with a classic black skinny jean and a darker-wash of slightly ripped jeans. I am so so in-love, thank you Erica for introducing me to my new favourite pair(s) of jeans!

I rang through my other items at Express which was a basic three-quarter sleeve top that Erica also recommended as she has one and says she lives in it its so comfortable. After wearing it that night I went home I knew this was a great choice! I also picked up a reverisble tank top, they had a lot of different colours and patterns but I opted for vibrant flowers that reversed to black.

After cashing out at Express we totaled up my receipts while remembering my items on hold at BCBG. Because I had done so well at H & M and Express there was now enough left for just the blazer.

After our last stop at BCBG with bags in tow, Erica and I got together for some pictures! I am such a fan of these pictures, they really encapsulate the day so perfectly.

I couldn’t not snap a pic of these amazing cut-out gold detailed heeled booties. I ordered these online from Forever 21 and was so glad I did as they sold out so quickly!

Thank you SO much to Bramalea City Centre for selecting me as the winner for this shopping spree and of course, Erica Wark for making the day so special!

Also, a huge thank you to Obsessions Fashion for making sure my accessory game was strong, as per usual!

Be sure to follow along on my fashionable journey on Instagram (staffordable_blog) and Twitter (staff_sara)

Now this post may be a little late, but I wanted to find the time to really sit down and focus on writing a great piece. It’s been a hectic couple of weeks at work!

Friday morning of the Valentine’s Day weekend I was invited by Dave Lackie to attend Wish Restaurant for the launch of Chloé’s Love Story Eau De Toilette perfume!

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Clarins Beauty VIP dinner a few months back and had such a blast! So you can imagine my excitement when I saw a message in my inbox from Dave inviting me to this event! My first time at one of the events I was understandably a little nervous attending a dinner with complete strangers! Little did I know that once I got there I would feel extremely welcomed by individuals who love beauty and blogging just like me! I instantly connected with so many great individuals and continue to keep in contact with them over social media. It was really nice to be able to see friendly, familiar faces again at the VIP breakfast and catch up with everyone from the last event! When Dave plans an event you know it’s going to be nothing but spectacular!

Meeting Dave was the cherry on top of it all! I’ve been following Dave for years and always love his beauty segments onCityLinewhere he chats about the latest and greatest trends and innovations in beauty as well as beauty launches. The energy that Dave brings to everything that he does is extremely admirable and meeting him in person twice has been the greatest pleasure. His smile and enthusiasm lights up the room!

I’m so happy I decided to venture out and attend the event on my own, it’s been a truly amazing experience, thanks Dave!

Here’s my experience at the Chloé Love Story EDT breakfast…

The second I walked up to the restaurant I instantly fell in love, and I hadn’t even stepped inside yet! My Friday morning was already off to a fantastic start, and it was only going to get better! I captured this picture quickly before going in and thought how fitting it was, seeing as it was Valentine’s Day weekend!

I had never been to Wish Restaurant before and upon walking in the front entrance I knew it was going to be somewhere I’d have to come back to visit again. It had a very home-ie feel with white couches and beautiful wood grain floors (I could go on and on about the floors and decor!) Let’s just say that a few of us spent most of our time enjoying the decor and exceptional natural light shining in and used it as a photo shoot opportunity.

When this is what you are first greeted with walking into the restaurant…you know it’s going to be a great morning!

Stopping to smell the roses (literally!)

When I walked into the seating area I was again instantly drawn to the delicate white decor, dim lighting and ghost chairs (I seriously need these in my life!) The seating was very intimate and just perfect for this event! There were red roses and lots of light pink decor spread throughout the restaurant which really set the tone for the Love Story breakfast in Paris theme.

I just couldn’t resist taking this picture with Vanessa (Cook & Contour), the lighting and the table was perfect!

Love Story Eau De Toilette

The star of the breakfast! This bottle is the newest member to join the Chloé fragrance collection. The beautiful undertones of “green floral” and “hints of orange blossom” is what makes it so great to wear every day. It’s a very romantic scent and isn’t overpowering.

I was so excited to find out that we were being gifted with a 50ML bottle (available @ Hudson’s Bay) of the new Love Story EDT perfume as well as a white leather pouch—I was even obsessed with the packaging, and I hadn’t even gotten inside yet!

I’ve never had Chloé perfume before, but I do know that the design of their bottles are typically very chic! This one hit chic right out of the park! The small gold handle folds down so you can remove the lid and enjoy! It is finished off with a small pale pink ribbon (how very Parisian!)

Among the beauty lovers and bloggers alike, I also had the chance to speak with Heather Josey—she also complimented me on outfit (major win!!!) Heather is the fragrance buyer for Hudson’s Bay here in Canada. She’s got such a nose for scents that she knew instantly that Love Story was going to be a hit! Talk about scent-sational!

The food, oh the food…

I went with the goat cheese arugula salad to start which was to die for! For my main dish I decided on the poached eggs with smashed avocados and goat cheese on gluten free rye bread! It was a three course breakfast (yes you read that correctly, three-course!) but I had to tap out after the second and not get dessert. Don’t worry; I certainly got my sugar fix from the fill your own candy bags before leaving the event!

Outfit Details:

I couldn’t attend a fabulous event without having an equally as fabulous outfit! I drew my inspiration from this outfit from a picture that I actually stumbled across from a Cosmo magazine with Lilly Collins. Lilly is wearing a similar coloured yellow sweater, large statement necklace, and of course the covetable Kate Spade skirt!

Clock cross-body- Kate Spade (Winners) – I was so excited when I picked this up on sale for $60 it recalls for $300.00 (what a steal!). I wasn’t sure at first about pairing this purse with my outfit, but once I was dressed it was just what my playful look needed!

Michael Kors pink-faced watch- Winners

Gold bow bracelet- Kate Spade Outlet

Gold rings- Joe Fresh

I can’t thank Dave enough for inviting me to this event and for everyone there who made it such a fun morning. What a great way to start off the Friday of a long weekend!

I seriously could have taken pictures in this room, and with these floors ALL DAY!